MOST POPULAR

News

RNIB backs VOD app for blind

Blind and partially sighted people in the UK are set to benefit from a new app that will open up video on-demand services that up until now have had limited provision of audio description.

The app, which is currently being tested by more than 150 blind and partially sighted people, will provide AD (commentary that describes scenes, body language, expressions and movements during films and TV programmes) to TV programmes and films watched through on-demand services such as Sky, Sky Go, Amazon Instant, iTunes, NOW TV and Netflix.

The MovieReading app has been developed by Universal Multimedia Access and made accessible in the UK in partnership with the sight loss charity RNIB. It intuitively syncs AD with the TV programme or film’s soundtrack, and delivers AD in real time.

“Audio description enhances the television and film viewing experience for its users,” comments RNIB’s Steve Tyler, Head of Solutions Strategy and Planning. “They use it on TV, cinemas and DVD, so why not on the VOD services as well? We believe that the app could serve as a personalised solution for AD users and are keen to hear what the participants in the trial have to say about their user experience.”

We welcome reader discussion and request that you please comment using an authentic name. Comments will appear on the live site as soon as they are approved by the moderator (within 24 hours). Spam, promotional and derogatory comments will not be approved